Vascular and Platelet Disorders Quiz

Introduction

• Abnormal bleeding can be caused by disorders in the vascular system, platelets, or coagulation factors.
• Vascular disorders can lead to bleeding from mucous membranes and into the skin.
• Platelet disorders can lead to bleeding from mucous membranes and into the skin.
• Coagulation factor disorders can lead to bleeding into joints or soft tissues

Types of Hemorrhage

• Petechiae are very small, pinpoint bleeding spots.
• Purpura are slightly larger bleeding spots.
• Ecchymoses are larger areas of bleeding, also known as bruises.
• Hematomas are large collections of blood that pool in tissues.

Vascular Disorders

• Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia is an inherited disorder with dilated capillaries that lead to bleeding.
  • Telangiectasia may be pinpoint, nodular, or spiderlike in appearance.
  • This disorder appears in childhood and becomes more numerous in adulthood.
• Connective Tissue Disorders are characterized by fragile vascular systems.
  • Senile Purpura: This occurs in older age groups due to a decrease in collagen and elastin.
  • Scurvy: Caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to weak blood vessels and bleeding gums.
  • Steroid Purpura: Common side effect of steroid therapy.
• Giant Hemangioma: Caused by an abnormal growth of blood vessels.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

• An uncommon, autosomal dominant disorder.
• Abnormal blood vessels (Telangiectasia) can appear in the skin and mucous membranes.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

• A rare connective tissue disorder with abnormal collagen formation.
• Characterized by:
  • Extreme vascular fragility
  • Skin hyper-elasticity
  • Hyper-extensible joints

Marfan's Syndrome

• An inherited, autosomal dominant disorder associated with abnormal collagen formation.
• Characterized by:
  • Skeletal defect (long extremities)
  • Ocular defects
  • Cardiovascular defects

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

• An autosomal dominant disorder.
• It is a collagen vascular disorder, leading to brittle bones.
• Causes a lack of bone matrix.
• Can be a fatal disease, and those with the condition often die early.
• Leads to a poor quality of life.